Automakers

Report: Lotus Developing Electrically Assisted Sports Car

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 12:00:25 -0600

Automakers like Tesla and Fisker have opened the door for electric sports cars, and now there are repots that Lotus is working on a battery-powered vehicle, as well. According to Lotus' CEO, Michael Kimberly, we should not be "surprised to see an electric Lotus shortly."

According to Motor Authority, this new Lotus will use a gas-powered generator to charge its batteries on the go and that this vehicle will be able to travel up to 400 miles on one tank of fuel. Lotus says that they're working in collaboration with a major automotive manufacturer to develop certain parts of this sports car. Also, MA points out that Tesla currently contracts Lotus to assemble the bodies for its electric roadster, though this new product from Lotus will compete directly with cars like the Tesla.

As for us, we're eagerly awaiting the fuel-sipping comparison test between these electric sports cars. Lotus wants to develop this car in order to expand its model range after the official launch of the new four-seat Evora later this year.

+ Motor Authority: Lotus working on range-extending electric vehicle

Detroit Electric Plans Worldwide Sales By End of 2009

Chris Paukert — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:06:29 -0500

Even for students of history and those with really long memories, it’s been a long time since any automobiles built by Detroit Electric plied the world’s roadways. But today, the company (whose name was last affixed to a new vehicle in 1939) announced that it will be working with Malaysia’s Proton to build a lineup of pure electric cars, with the first one rolling out worldwide by the end of 2009.

Currently, Detroit Electric has implemented its drive systems into the Lotus Elise (the British sportscar maker is owned by the Malaysian concern) and a pair of Proton cars, the Persona and Savvy. There is no confirmation at this point of which cars will be released in what markets (and when), but DE is looking to put 30,000 of its powertrains on the world’s roads by 2010. According to Paul Tan of PaulTan.org (who managed to snag an invite to Detroit Electric’s press conference and test session at their test circuit in Shah Alam, Malaysia), Detroit Electric is actually talking with three different manufacturers about integrating DE drive systems into their vehicles. Proton appears to be the only named company at this point, although Tan says that the other companies are American and German, respectively.

Click on the link below to read more from PaulTan.org (including some limited drive impressions and photos), and check out Detroit Electric’s official press release below.

+ PaulTan.org: DRIVEN: Detroit Electric’s electric Lotus Elise

Press Release:

SHAH ALAM, Malaysia, September 2, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- - Detroit Electric in Search for Manufacturing Partners to Roll out Electric Cars by 2009

Detroit Electric is making a come back in a big way with plans to progressively roll out affordable electric vehicles worldwide by the end of 2009. The historic electric car brand held a regional media conference today to introduce electric car technology and unveil its business and manufacturing plans moving forward.

As part of the Malaysian Government's initiative to tackle rising fuel prices and the search for green alternative transportation, Detroit Electric's electric vehicle has been identified as one of the potential progressive innovative ways to tackle the on-going concerns. National car maker Proton has been requested by Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi to test and validate Detroit Electric's technology and explore the potential to collaborate to create a range of pure electric cars.

"The Malaysian Government is taking proactive measures to provide efficient and reliable alternative transportation to the people. Detroit Electric is working closely with them and we hope to provide a sustainable solution," said Albert Lam, Chairman and CEO of Detroit Electric.
"USD5 million has been invested in research and development over the past two and half years at our R&D facility in the Netherlands to develop this technology for electric vehicles. After months of hard work and search for strategic partners and new shareholders, Detroit Electric has now emerged with scaleable and durable electric drive systems solution ready to deliver affordable everyday electric cars."

Proton is kind enough to lend us the test track, so members of the media had the opportunity to experience the driving power and pleasure of pure electric cars. Detroit Electric has to date integrated its electric drive systems into Lotus Elise's, two Proton passenger cars, Daihatsu-Cuore and VW Golf, with the intent to use these electric drive systems to development pure electric vehicles for volume production within the next 18 months.

The complete press release about the relaunch of Detroit Electric is available at http://www.pressrelease.eu.

SOURCE Detroit Electric

Eagle Away: Lotus Debuts Evora at British Motor Show

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:16:48 -0500

The long-followed Lotus Eagle program has finally come to fruition this morning, with the brand new car being christened Evora at the 2008 British Motor Show in London.

The Evora promises to be the most user-friendly Lotus ever with a 2+2 configuration (thought the +2 in question will have to be mighty tiny), a seemingly plush interior, and even a navigation system. The British company has still managed to keep the weight down to a reasonable level though, saying that the car will end up at an eminently sane 2,976 pounds.

Nearly 3,000 pounds is still on the far end of the heavy-set side for Lotus, but the car still looks to be anything but sluggish in hauling its heft. A 3.6-liter V-6 engine can be found amidships on the Evora, producing 276 horsepower and propelling the car from naught to 60 miles per hour in an estimated sub five-second span. The top end will be somewhere around 160 mph. Despite those sparkling performance numbers Lotus estimates that the car will still be good for 30+ miles per gallon, adding another nice touch of usability to the Evora.
Evora has been designed to meet or exceed safety and emissions standards globally which is great news for the U.S. market. Slightly more daunting is the yearly production target of just 2000 units from the Hethel factory. Better raise your hand early.

Check out a full gallery of Evora images above or read the complete Lotus press release below.

The Evora Is Here

With its stunning visual impact, exhilarating all-round dynamic performance, innovative chassis technology and high levels of luxury, packaging and convenience, the Evora heralds an exciting new era for Lotus.

The first all-new Lotus since the iconic Elise made its debut in 1995, The Evora enters the sports car market as currently the world's only mid-engined 2+2. Powered by a Lotus-tuned 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 PS, and weighing just 1350 kg (prototype specification), the Evora promises breathtaking performance. During preliminary testing around the famous Nürburgring, the Lotus chassis engineers report that it is extremely agile and great fun to drive - even when clad with the full development disguise that hid the beautiful lines from the prying motor-industry paparazzi.

In addition to its excellent performance and exemplary handling, the Evora offers a more refined ownership experience than Lotus's existing smaller four-cylinder models. Its elegantly styled cabin is elegantly trimmed and its equipment list includes contemporary features such as an advanced touch-screen multi-media system and electric power-fold door mirrors.

Because one of the roles of the Evora is to attract new customers to the Lotus brand, much attention has been paid to its ease of use. Wider, taller door apertures and narrower sills make getting in and out of the cabin a less athletic undertaking than it is in Lotus's smaller sports cars (the Elise, Exige, Europa and 2-Eleven), while the design of the cabin itself will accommodate two 99th percentile (6ft 5in tall) American males in the front seats.

The 'convenience factor' of the Evora extends to less obvious areas of the car. For instance, beneath the skin the entire front-end structure is a high tech aluminium sacrificial modular unit, attached to the main extruded aluminium tub. This modular unit is designed to deform for maximum safety, and to reduce repair costs in the event of a frontal impact.

The Evora has been designed with global automotive regulations in mind, and future derivatives are planed, these including amongst others, a convertible.

The Evora will be hand crafted and built on a dedicated new assembly line within Lotus's advanced manufacturing facility at Hethel in the east of England; capacity limitations will restrict production to approximately 2000 cars a year, ensuring the dynamic new sports car's rarity and exclusivity.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, has this to say about the exciting new model: "The Evora is the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the Elise was born 13 years ago and is part of our bold five year strategic plan, which includes the introduction of new cars and technologies to many more markets around the world. The Evora also represents Lotus core values of performance through light weight and efficiency and proves that you can have phenomenal performance, fuel efficiency elegant design and practicality all in a class leading mid-engine 2+2 sportscar, which will meet global safety and homologation standards"
Mike Kimberley continues, "Looking to the future, we will continue to research, develop and produce lighter, more efficient vehicles which are linked to our extensive and well-regarded work on all aspects of future fuels, alternative engines and electric and hybrid vehicle solutions for the future. We all have an environmental responsibility to future generations and the Evora is another example where Lotus is seen to make significant steps towards improving the efficiency and sustainability of the motorcar keeping Britain at the forefront of the high technology motor industry."

THE EVORA IN DETAIL

Style or function? Have both...
Designed 'in-house' by Lotus Design, the sleek and athletic form uses fluid forms and crisp surfaces to communicate velocity, agility and sophistication. Low and wide with modern cab forward proportions, muscular rear haunches and function optimised hip air intakes this is clearly a serious mid engined sportscar that skilfully hides the practicality of its two plus two capability.

Russell Carr, Head of Lotus Design, led the Evora's design team with Steven Crijns, Design Manager responsible for the exterior and Anthony Bushell, Senior Designer, responsible for the interior.

"A cornerstone of the design's success was working closely with the technical team to develop a package that allowed us to get the proportions correct," says Head of Design Russell Carr, "The asymmetric wheel sizes, the short rear overhang, long front overhang and cab forward visor screen all contribute to giving the car visual movement and an agile stance. This is incredibly important to us because we want the car's aesthetics to communicate its driving characteristics".

Lotus products have always embodied a perfect balance between form and function and the Evora successfully continues this heritage. "We never lost sight of the fact that, although this car must provide real world useability, sportscars are emotional purchases and that you have to seduce the customer through beguiling looks and exotic persona. We are, therefore, very proud that we have been able to use technical and user functionality to positively drive the design in key areas and create some of the car's most distinctive features". says Carr.

Ingress and egress, for example, dictated a minimal "step-over" to get into the Evora. We simply cut away the surface under the door and created a unique and dramatic piece of sculpture that enhances the stance of the car as well as its useability.

Elsewhere, aerodynamic considerations for drag, down force and cooling had significant but positive influence on the overall form and details such as air intakes. A desire to create balanced down force, that increases cornering performance, led to the adoption of, the now, "signature" top exit radiator vent, race car inspired diffuser and "floating rear wing". Drag limitation, drove the dramatic tear-dropped cabin layout and the curvaceous plan view has given the car a more muscular rear shoulder and conveys a level of sophistication appropriate to this market segment.

"We believe that our designs should be honest as well as dramatic and so we are really pleased with the fact that these iconic features all do a real job" says Steven Crijns, Design Manager.

This inherent understanding of the relationship between the technical and the aesthetic paid dividends the first time a full-scale model of the Evora was wind-tunnel tested – only minimal adjustments were required to the car's aerodynamic package to meet the targets for downforce and stability.

Steve Crijns continued, "Overall the design language shows a clear DNA link with its Lotus siblings, whilst establishing its own distinctive and contemporary theme. The undulating shoulder line is brilliantly mirrored in the lower part of the bodyside by the cut -away sill that creates a torseau-like muscularity."

"The front three-quarter view is really powerful" Russell Carr continues, "Your eye is drawn effortlessly, from our signature mouth, rearward by fluid surfaces and fast lines that create a sense of speed even when the car is stationary. From this angle you can also see how dramatically the visor screen sweeps around the teardrop form of the cabin and the gently waisted plan shape perfectly accentuates the muscularity of the rear fender. This is unmistakeably mid engined language and the Evora is unmistakeably a Lotus."

The view from the rear three-quarters is just as striking and the one that many will become familiar with as the car passes them on the road. The tapered cabin, diffuser, floating wing, centrally mounted twin tailpipes and distinctive engine bay vents all combine to create a completely unique look.

Moving right inside...
The design language of the interior reflects that of the exterior – simple, fluid surfaces, soft forms and crisp feature lines wrap around the cabin cosseting the occupants. Unlike recent Lotus products that use a race car inspired, technical minimalism, the Evora employs a softer approach that utilises premium quality materials and finishes to create a contemporary but luxurious ambience that is unique to Lotus products.

It is, according to Head of Lotus Design Russell Carr, "A huge departure from what people might expect based on Lotus's recent past. We wanted the Evora's cabin to feel special and to be surprising as well as sporty. Precision engineered metal inserts and quality edge-lit switches are brilliantly juxtaposed against soft hand-stitched leather surfaces to give a modern interior with a classic twist."

Russell Carr continues, "The flat bottomed steering wheel, figure hugging sports seat, contemporary instrumentation and ergonomically positioned controls provide an intuitive environment that instantly forms a connection between driver and car ensuring that it becomes an extension of his or her body."

Anthony Bushell Senior Designer explained about the choice of materials in the Evora's interior, "Tactile quality is incredibly important within this segment and so we wanted the interior to use honest premium materials. Much of the switchgear is bespoke, and every metallic component is actually metal."

Focused courtesy lighting is used throughout the interior, giving a spectacular illuminated feel to the sculpture design feature of the cabin.
The extensive use of handcrafted, premium leather differentiates The Evora from other Lotus products and such is its importance to the character of the car that an entire new trim shop has been built at the Lotus Headquarters in the UK, dedicated to its production.

Even the entry level versions of the Evora will feature leather-upholstered seats, upper door trim panels and facia, but it is expected that most customers will opt for the full hide treatment. With a range of leather colours available, customers will have the opportunity to personalise their Evora.

High-tech treats
Contemporary technology also features in the Evora's cabin. A newly developed Alpine multi-media system with a 7 inch touch-screen provides advanced audio, satellite navigation, video, Bluetooth® hands-free telephone and iPod® connectivity functions; the screen also serves as a monitor for The Evora's optional reversing camera. The satellite navigation element of the system is removable, allowing you to programme it from the comfort of your home, or take it with you to continue your journey in an unfamiliar pedestrian location.

The Alpine audio set-up is one of the most sophisticated automotive systems in the world. Called IMPRINT and using MultEQ sound enhancement technology, it is able to cancel out sound imbalances, caused by the cabin window glass, for instance, creating echoes, while carpets suppress mid-range frequencies – resulting in amazingly crisp, clear, undistorted sound reproduction wherever you are seated in the car.

A bespoke air-conditioning system developed by Bergstrom is standard on all models, and has been designed for the hottest climate or the closest humidity to help provide maximum occupant comfort. Lotus traction control and on-board tyre pressure monitoring will also be available.

One size fits all
The front seats themselves are very supportive and leather clad with a lightweight manual adjustment mechanism for fore and aft, rake and lumbar, designed to give a supported driving position.

The rear seats of 2+2 versions of the Evora –are intended for children and smaller adults. There will also be a two-seater derivative with a luggage shelf in the back. To maximise comfort in the rear, there's a decent amount of foot-room under the seats in front, while both back seats feature ISOFIX mountings for secure child seat fitment.

When unoccupied, the rear seats provide a convenient stowage area, adding to the Evora's appeal as an everyday car. The 160 litre boot, which ingeniously features a fresh air cooling system to reduce the effect of any heat ingress from the engine bay, will also accommodate a full set of golf clubs.

Easy in, easy out
With the Elise and its derivatives, the no-compromise character of the car makes getting in and out across a wide sill and through a comparatively narrow door/window aperture part of the charm of ownership. For the Evora and its remit for the serious daily driver, and to attract newcomers to the Lotus brand, greater convenience and practicality is provided.

As a consequence the sill is now lower and slimmer (80mm wide compared with 100mm in the Elise), and the whole door aperture taller. The doors open wider than on the Elise and its siblings, while the height of the front seat is raised by 65mm.

But while The Evora is undeniably more 'lifestyle' in respect of its everyday practicality, once you're seated behind its flat-bottomed steering wheel, it feels every bit as exotic and sporting as you would expect a Lotus to be.

Safely does it
In common with the Elise and its derivatives, The Evora's bonded extruded aluminium chassis tub has incredible inherent strength, particularly in regard to side impacts. Additional torsional strength is given to the whole structure by the tubular steel seatbelt anchorage frame that also acts as a rollover structure.

Deformable sacrificial aluminium front and steel rear subframe modules are attached to the tub using joints which are designed to minimise damage to the tub, protecting the main passenger cell in the event of an accident.

Driver and passenger airbags are standard. The airbag on the passenger side is cleverly engineered to deploy vertically and then be deflected rearwards by the windscreen, to provide protection for children as well as adults.

Anti-lock brakes are standard on all models, as is Lotus Traction Control (LTC); these systems have been specially developed in co-operation with Bosch and enable up and coming drivers to consistently exploit the braking and acceleration capabilities of the Evora, whilst allowing skilled enthusiasts the freedom to enjoy the full Lotus driving experience.

The chassis: Production Low Volume Versatile Vehicle Architecture
The Evora's chassis is an evolution of the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) from the Lotus APX concept vehicle previously showcased at the Geneva Motorshow, and allows for the development of a range of vehicles up to a gross vehicle weight of 1,900 kg. This architecture has been designed to be more applicable to mid-volume applications by utilising our low capital investment manufacturing processes. The Evora structure progresses the Lotus 'bonded and riveted' technology used in the Elise family of vehicles with unique extrusions and folded panels, whilst providing contemporary ease of ingress/egress, build modularity and improved, lower cost repairs.

The Low Volume VVA architecture has been designed so that it can be extended in width, length and height. The strength and stiffness of the low volume VVA chassis can be modified cost effectively by varying the wall thickness of the extrusions, without altering the exterior dimensions. The ability to lengthen or shorten extrusions with the option to tailor the chassis stiffness, vastly increases the number of vehicles that can be developed from this vehicle architecture. Front and mid engine installations have been considered, as well as hybrid and Electric Vehicle (EV) applications.

The Lotus Evora employs a composite roof as a stressed structural member to give an exceptional vehicle stiffness of 26,000 Nm per degree, thanks in part to the seatbelt anchorage frame's secondary function as a roll over structure, and partly because the high-tech composite body panels are stressed items. However, despite this high stiffness, the complete chassis and modules weight just 200 kg (prototype weight), helping to keep the weight of the whole car to just 1350 kg (prototype weight).

To deliver this high performance structure, bonded and riveted high grade aluminium extrusions and simple and elegant folded sheet elements are used in the lower structure, building upon award winning research projects in this field. Lotus pioneered the technology of bonded aluminium extrusions for use in road vehicles and has successfully developed high performance cars for other car companies around the world.

The central tub is attached to an extruded aluminium subframe at the front and a lightweight welded steel subframe at the rear. These subframe modules also offer advantages in terms of convenience and low cost of repair, and during manufacturing can be brought to the production line fully assembled, ready to be attached.

The high technology Lotus Evora chassis will be manufactured at the new Lotus Lightweight Structures facility in Worcester, UK. LLS employs 120 skilled engineers, technicians and sales staff and will manufacture all the Lotus aluminium structures, including those for the Elise, Exige, 2–Eleven and Europa and aluminium and composite structures and components for Lotus's extensive global client base.

Suspended & animated
The Evora suspension wishbones are forged from aluminium to reduce the unsprung mass. These are similar in weight, and stiffer than the steel items found on the much smaller Elise, Exige and Europa vehicles, and have a far higher vehicle weight capacity. They are attached to the front and rear modules via bespoke bushes. The Evora will use Bilstein high performance dampers and Eibach springs with unique dual path top mounts for optimised vehicle refinement. Hydraulically assisted power steering is provided by a Lotus tuned TRW steering rack.

All in all, the Evora delivers. It has incredible Lotus handling and provides unsurpassable driving pleasure. In fact, word from the ride and handling team is that the new car is likely to become a class standard-setter for speed and agility.

Stop right now...
Vented and cross-drilled brake discs – massive 350mm items on the front and 332mm at the rear – and high performance bespoke Lotus AP Racing 4 pot callipers ensure impressive stopping power.

Everyone connected with the brake testing programme, conducted on the punishing corners, climbs and descents of the Nürburgring, has described the brakes as 'phenomenal' with excellent thermal performance and outstanding feel even after extended sessions of extreme use.

Part of that testing programme was to finalise settings for the ABS system being developed in conjunction with Bosch. The system is set to very high thresholds and operates so progressively that drivers are often unaware that they have actually triggered the ABS.

Safe. Fun. Lotus Traction Control
The Switchable Lotus Traction Control (LTC) system has been developed simultaneously with the ABS and works through the engine management system to reduce power when required to maintain traction. Unlike many traction control systems, LTC has been tuned to complement the skills of the driver without taking over. The Lotus LTC is active above 5 mph (8 km/h) and operates much more quickly than many brake based systems. The system can be deactivated completely, giving no traction control intervention.

Keeping a grip – 18 inch at the front, 19 inch at the rear.
Tyre choice is a vital component in the handling performance of every Lotus and for the Evora, Yokohama was chosen as development partner.

Lotus's long-term relationship with Yokohama was swiftly rewarded during development when initially the front tyre size did not generate the Lotus required lateral grip, the Japanese grip gurus went away and developed bespoke tyres especially for the Evora – a 225/40 ZR18 at the front and larger diameter; 255/35 ZR19 at the rear. Both have carcass construction and a rubber compound unique to Lotus and are identified by the letters 'LTS' on the sidewalls.

The V6 Engine - dual VVT-i ('intelligent' variable valve timing)
The exceptional working relationship that Lotus has enjoyed with Toyota over several decades, combined with the overwhelmingly enthusiastic reception for the company's four-cylinder power units in the Elise and Exige, guaranteed the Japanese giant's inclusion on the shortlist for the Evora engine supplier.

The final choice was Toyota's all-alloy 2GR-FE 3.5-litre V6 DOHC, with dual VVT-i ('intelligent' variable valve timing). Lotus has painstakingly developed its own T6e engine management software for this engine to optimise its compatibility with the unique requirements of the Evora to give a peak power output to 280 PS at 6400 rpm, while boosting its maximum torque to 342 Nm at 4700 rpm (prototype figures).

Changes to the engine management and exhaust systems also allow the V6 to rev more freely and provide rapid throttle response; feedback from the development team suggests that the strength of the engine's mid-range torque means that gutsy performance will be easily accessible without having to thunder through to the redline. This makes the Lotus Evora a thoroughly satisfying car for everyday road use and a rewarding one when you just want to drive.

The 2GR-FE V6 engine is mated to a manual six-speed gearbox, again Toyota-sourced. A close-ratio version of this gearbox is also currently under development for the even more sport-focussed driver.
Many Lotus owners enjoy the blend of unique performance and efficiency that the brand's cars offer. True to the Lotus value of "performance through light weight" CO2 emissions are expected to be a class leading sub-225 g/km (prototype figures) while testers report fuel consumption in the region of 30+ mpg (pending formal homologation testing).

What'll she do?
At the time of its unveiling, full performance figures have yet to be compiled on a production specification Lotus Evora, Lotus has another 6 months development to conduct.

While for Lotus top speed is of less importance than stability at speed, early indications suggest a maximum speed of 160 mph; the 0-60 mph sprint from standstill is estimated at sub 5 seconds (prototype figures).

Test. Test. Then test some more
It's a global car, so the Evora has been tested around the world. From the icy wastes of the arctic to the heat of the desert, the high altitude of the Alps as well as the country roads around the Hethel factory.

It has spent hours howling around the Nürburgring and endlessly lapped Lotus's test track at Hethel. By the time the Evora enters production, prototypes will have travelled for hundreds of thousands of miles along some of the worst public roads in the world and been tortured for as many miles on some of the toughest proving grounds the motor industry has to offer including extreme pave tests, to Australia and even the Arizona outback.

It has been flung into barriers at low and high speeds, at a multitude of angles, including head-on; it has even had its roof compressed!

By the time the Evora reaches the Lotus showrooms from Spring 2009 onwards, it will be the most thoroughly tested Lotus car in the history of Lotus. It will also be one of the company's great milestones.
The order book is now open in the UK and across continental Europe, with markets around the world to start taking orders in due course. Final specifications, options and prices of the production Lotus Evora will be published closer to the sale date in the many Lotus markets around the world.

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive of Group Lotus plc sums up, "This year Lotus celebrates its 60th anniversary and it is fitting that 2008 is also the birth of the Lotus Evora, a fantastic addition to the Lotus range. The Lotus Evora represents Group Lotus, a company that is at the forefront of the automotive industry, in a changing world where priorities of efficiency, economy and environmental impact go hand in hand with performance, design and individuality. I think Colin Chapman would have approved."Notes For Editors:

About Group Lotus plc:
The main operating subsidiary of Group Lotus plc is Lotus Cars Ltd, which has two operating divisions - Lotus Engineering and Lotus Cars. Lotus Engineering is an internationally recognised automotive engineering consultancy based in Norfolk, UK. Global facilities include those in Michigan (USA), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), China and offices in Germany and Japan, with rapid expansion in new territories such as South East Asia and the Gulf States.

Lotus Engineering provides comprehensive and versatile consultancy services to many of the world's OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, offering a full engineering service from initial concept and project design through development and integration of the complete vehicle to meet all worldwide markets and customers to full production. This includes third party 'niche vehicle' engineering and manufacture worldwide.

Lotus Cars builds world class, prestige, high performance sports cars for sale in 37 countries. These include the iconic Lotus Elise, and the Exige and Europa. Lotus is a global high-tech company, expanding and committed to driving forward technology for both Lotus Cars and its Engineering clients, spearheading research into such areas as hybrids, electric vehicles and renewable fuels.

Lotus to Hold 60th Birthday Party this Fall

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:00:17 -0500

Lotus is holding a birthday bash for over 15,000 of its closest friends this year, in celebration of 60 years spent executing founder Colin Chapman’s philosophy of “performance through lightweight.

Lotus Launches New Entry Level 2-Eleven Track Car

Seyth Miersma — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 14:00:17 -0500

Widely praised for its prowess on the racetrack, the track special Lotus 2-Eleven has been a winner for enthusiasts since its introduction at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. One year on, and Lotus felt the need to offer up some racing thrills for those with just a little less in the way of disposable income.

Lotus has introduced a new entry level 2-Eleven, which may not pack quite the same punch as the original, but isn’t likely to leave most owners feeling slow. Though the new car gets a 189 horsepower engine from the Elise R instead of the 252 horsepower mill from the higher spec racer, that power is still enough to give the budget 2-Eleven a top speed of 140 mph and a 0 to 60 time of only 4.3 seconds. Not bad performance considering the new car saves a considerable 15,000 euros over the old model (€34,695 to €49,573).

Perspective buyers will also be able to kit out their 2-Eleven with plenty of choices from the Lotus Sport performance catalog.

+ Motor Authority: Lotus adds new entry-level 2-Eleven

If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com

‘08 Geneva: Take a Dive with Rinspeed’s sQuba

Evan McCausland — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:30:45 -0600

The whole premise of an underwater car is wacky enough - so why stop there? Frank Rinderknecht, the brains behind Swiss tuner Rinspeed, didn't for the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. To properly showcase his diving sQuba concept, he decked out the stand with fake lobsters, fishing nets and models wearing wetsuits (not fishnet stockings).

The sQuba, built upon a Lotus Elise roadster, is powered entirely by electric motors - some powering the car on land, others the propellers for aqueous motoring. Two jet-drives on the fenders further propel the vehicle when underwater, allowing the car to dive as deep as 10 meters beneath the water's surface. An air tank, located within the fish-themed interior, provides passengers with oxygen for any deep-sea excursions they may encounter.

We hear Rinspeed's allowing press drives of the car, but not unless the driver is actually certified in scuba diving. Rest assured, WINDING ROAD's grabbing our snorkel - we're ready to take that dive.

Combustion Three Ways: The Lotus Exige 270E Tri-fuel

Seyth Miersma — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 15:00:15 -0600

Lotus has announced that it will be bringing yet another version of its highly regarded Exige sports car to the Geneva Motor Show, this one serving as a test bed for sustainable, synthetic alcohol fuels.

The Lotus Exige 270E Tri-fuel is built to allow drivers the option of running any of three fuels, gasoline, bioethanol, or methanol. Among the many benefits of being run on alcohol-based fuels, Lotus points to the potential of harvesting atmospheric CO2 as a major step forward in sustainability, and carbon-neutral transportation. Though the company does admit that the infrastructure necessary for such production is a decade or more away.

The Tri-fuel also happens to be the most powerful road-going Exige ever, wringing 270 horsepower from its 1.8-liter supercharged engine, and managing a 0-60 sprint in just 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 158 mph.

Lotus Researches Cars Running On CO2 Exige 270E Tri-fuel is the next stage of Lotus Engineering’s long-term sustainable, synthetic alcohol researchLotus Engineering, the world renowned automotive consultancy division of Lotus, unveils its latest development towards carbon neutral road transport at the 78th Geneva International Motor Show. The Lotus Exige 270E Tri-fuel is the most powerful road version yet of the Exige (0-60 mph / 96 kph in 3.88 seconds, a top speed of 158 mph (255 km/h), 270 hp (201 kW / 273 PS at 8000 rpm) and it runs on any mixture of gasoline, bioethanol and methanol. Emerging technologies will allow alcohol fuels such as methanol, already a proven internal combustion fuel, to be made synthetically from CO2 extracted from the atmosphere.
An alcohol-based fuel derived renewably from atmospheric CO2 would allow society to transfer relatively easily to sustainable, carbon-neutral internal combustion. Lotus Engineering is researching the use of sustainable synthetic alcohols as potential future fuels, with technology available from Lotus for introduction in four to five years. However, the supply infrastructure investment from governments and fuel companies could take 15 to 20 years.
The Exige 270E Tri-fuel is part of Lotus’ research to understand the complex combustion process involved in running on mixtures of alcohol fuels and gasoline, which will be important for a successful transition from today’s fuels to the sustainable, synthetic fuels of the future.
This research is just one aspect of Lotus Engineering’s ground-breaking work on environmentally-friendly vehicles. It is involved with a number of electric vehicle projects, has successfully integrated hybrid technologies into vehicles such as its EVE demonstrator, and recently announced results on a collaboration with Continental Division Powertrain on the Low CO2 downsized three-cylinder engine. The research into sustainable alcohols is progressing at Lotus’ Hethel headquarters in Norfolk, UK and involves input from the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Alternative Fuel Symposium Series, the Low Carbon Vehicles Innovation Platform, developed by the Technology Strategy Board and direct discussions with the University of Sheffield.
Methanol (CH3OH) can be produced synthetically from CO2 and hydrogen. Ultimately, emerging processes to recover atmospheric CO2 will provide the required carbon that can entirely balance the CO2 emissions at the tailpipe that result from the internal combustion of synthetic methanol. The result is that a car running on synthetic methanol, such as the Exige 270E Tri-fuel would be environmentally neutral.
As well as being green, the great benefit of synthetic methanol is that it would use similar engines and fuel systems to those in current cars; and synthetic methanol can be stored, transported and retailed in much the same way as today’s liquid fuels such as gasoline and diesel.
Synthetic methanol also possesses properties better suited to internal combustion than today’s liquid fuels, giving improved performance and thermal efficiencies. And it is ideal for pressure-charging (turbocharging and supercharging) already being introduced by manufacturers to downsize engines in a bid to improve fuel consumption.
Lotus Engineering’s Lotus Exige 270E Tri-fuel technology demonstrator illustrates how easy it is for synthetic methanol to be embraced over time as a future fuel for road transport. The Exige 270E Tri-fuel, with its supercharged 2ZZ-GE VVTL-i engine, could be the forefather of a new generation of conventionally driven cars that have the potential to be environmentally-neutral.
Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc, explains: “Lotus is a world-class leader in research into a variety of alternative fuels; each has its merits and challenges and some options could be more easily implemented than others. But while motorists want to be green, we do not want to change the culture of total freedom for the owners, who will have an extreme reluctance to spend more at the pump, or to sacrifice the performance of their cars.
Mike Kimberley continues, “At present, the motor industry is seeking a route to reduce CO2 emissions just at the tailpipe; this focus is far too narrow. A sustainable alcohol such as synthetic methanol has the potential to reduce the overall CO2 footprint of internal combustion vehicles towards zero. Produced through CO2 recovered from the atmosphere and given a tax incentive, it immediately becomes a green, cheap and more desirable fuel. For those compelling reasons motorists, legislators and car manufacturers must switch to a sustainable alcohol like synthetic methanol.

Caterham’s RST-V8 Packs V-8, Ungodly Power into Seven

Evan McCausland — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 07:30:41 -0600

Love Caterham's (nee Lotus) Seven, but disappointed that the maximum power the factory can provide is a "mere" 260 horsepower? Partnering with RS Performance, Caterham's launched the new RST-V8 - a Seven designed to answer those with such a (death)wish.

Starting with a Caterham SV, the RS Performance replaces the 2.0-liter Ford I-4 with its own 2.4-liter, 40-valve V-8. Sure, that's a small displacement for an eight, but the motor revs to a screaming 10,000 rpm. Power for the RS motor is rated at 380 horsepower - plenty for a car that weighs only 1150 pounds.

Still not enough? Sign up for the RST-V8 Levante, which adds a Roots-type supercharger to the same motor, letting the compact V-8 pump out a whopping 550 hp. Coupled with the Seven SV's already lithe frame, the power-to-weight ratio for the Levante measures somewhere close to 1000 horsepower per ton.

That 1150-pound curb weight is a blessing for acceleration figures (0-60 mph in under 3 seconds for the Levante), but a curse for any attempt at connecting it to the tarmac. To answer that dilemma, Caterham gives the RST-V8 stickier tires, a limited-slip differential and traction- and launch-controls.

Of course, power comes with a price - and for the Levante, the price tag is a whopping £115,000 ($230,000), which includes a two-day course on how to handle the beast. We're sure the naturally-aspirated model will undercut that price point, but where's the fun (or insanity) in 380 horses when you can have 550?

CATERHAM RELEASE

Caterham announces official performance arm:
powerhouse V8 engine delivers 1,000 plus bhp-per-tonne
For those wanting an expression of British sportscar exclusivity, Caterham Cars has joined forces with RS Performance to offer the ultimate in bespoke Seven coachbuilding.
Caterham has long been the epitome of personalised motoring with almost every version of the 12,000 Sevens on the road differing from one another. The joint venture takes that famous philosophy to an altogether new level.
RS Performance is an exclusive, niche engineering house. Born out of the passion and pedigree of its founder, Russell Savory, it will offer an 'everything is possible' service to Caterham customers wanting cars truly 'built to order'.
Using the motorsport-honed Caterham chassis and benchmark technology as a cosmetic and engineering base, RS Performance, will "turn imagination into reality," says Savory.
The heartbeat of every RS-monikered Seven will be the unique RST-V8 engine.
With more than 16 years of development behind it by Russell Savory, the 40-valve, 2.4 litre engine reliably delivers an incredible 400bhp in normally aspirated mode, or over 500bhp as a supercharged varient, whilst weighing only 90kg in full running gear.
The unbridled lightness of the RST-V8 matched to the already featherweight Seven chassis delivers a power-to-weight ratio of over 1000bhp per tonne – more than double of a Bugatti Veyron.
This unique partnership will be open to customers looking for the ultimate in exclusivity, and carry a price tag to reflect the tailoring, detail and hand-built craftsmanship that will go into every RS-badged Caterham.
Validation of the engineering house's abilities comes in the form of the supercharged 'Levante'. This is the first Seven to rollout of RS Performance's Hertfordshire doors and which only seven more of this type will be available.
With a 12 week waiting time and costing over £115,000, this supercharged engineering masterpiece boasts a modern interpretation of the Seven's classic looks with a sophisticated electronics package with traction and launch control to help get the phenomenal power to the floor. Weight reduction runs throughout the car, from the carbon fibre interior finished with Kevlar seats down to the hosing used on the cooling systems
The RS Performance badge will sit alongside the established, and soon to be expanded, Ford powered Caterham Seven range.
"Caterham and Russell Savory have a long history, and this seemed a natural progression of that relationship and shared engineering philosophy," explained Ansar Ali, Caterham Cars managing director.
RS Performance RST-V8 Engine Technical Specification
Configuration
90° V8
Capacity
2.4 litre
Valves
40
Construction
Aluminium main frame with dry sump
Max Power
380 bhp @10,000rpm / 500+bhp @ 10,000rpm (supercharged)
Max Torque
190 lbsft @ 8500rpm / 300 lbsft@ 8500rpm (supercharged)
Gearbox
6-speed
Overall length
45.6mm
Overall width
45.6mm
Height
48mm
Weight
90kg
Service intervals
8000 miles (minor) / 30,000 miles (major service & belt change)
RS Performance 'Levante' Technical Specification
Price
£115,000 (dependent on specification)
Chassis
Caterham SV
Engine
2.4-litre, 40-valve RST-V8 supercharged
Max Power
500+bhp @ 10,000rpm
Max Torque
300 lbsft @ 8500rpm
Supercharge boost
0.8 psi
Gearbox
6-speed sequential, paddle shift option
Transmission
LSD
0-60mph (claimed)
Less than 3 seconds
Top Speed
150mph (limited)
Wheelbase
2305mm
Overall length
3530mm
Overall width
1685mm
Height
1140mm
Weight
From 520kgs
Suspension
de Dion rear, Nitron 3-way adjustable shocks all corners
Wheel
Image Billet; front 8 x 15, rear 10 x 15
Tyres
Avon CR500; front 195/45-15, rear 245/40-15
Brakes
Hi Spec; front 280mm vented, rear 260mm.
Exhaust system
BTB 2 x 4-2-1 rear exit
Dashboard
Farringdon and SPA design
Driver aids
Traction Control, Launch Control
Additional
Two day driver training course provided on delivery of vehicle

Spied! The 2010 Lotus Eagle 2+2 Winter Testing!

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:53:12 -0600

While photographic evidence of the upcoming Lotus 2+2 sports car the Eagle has been, for the most part, blurry and uninspiring, the parka-clad super-spies over at KGP Photography have managed to get some nice new shots.

While these newest Eagle images are about as clear as they come, the wildly angular camouflage is fairly effective here at hiding the inner secrets of the newest Lotus. What we can tell, is that the Eagle is bound to be a low and sexy shape, probably playing on the outline of the current Elise, while allowing for a few extra (Happy Meal age) passengers.

Expect the Eagle to slot in between the Elise and the next-generation Esprit, when it makes its official debut this summer. Sources tells us that the car should employ a Toyota sourced V-6 in the range of 3.0-liters, and be capable of zero-to-60 times in the low five-second range.

We just got our first glimpse of Lotus' all-new 2+2 sports car, and managed to snap this set of shots before the test driver could escape back into the safe confines of his Arctic Testing Grounds. Knowledgeable sources in the U.K. have given us iron-clad confirmation that this prototype is the car that Lotus has codenamed "Eagle." The new four-seat Lotus will make its official public debut in July at the London Motor Show, but this is the first time that the car has been photographed in its full production form. The angular camouflage is very thorough, but it's clear that a very svelte, sexy shape lies beneath.

Sources tell us that the Eagle 2+2 will slot in between the Elise and next-generation Esprit, and is designed for those who love the Elise, but also want a little more room and comfort. Lotus Boss Mike Kimberley, quoted by U.K. 's CAR Magazine, has described the Eagle's rear-seat accommodations as comfortable for children up to nine-years-old, so the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide aren't exactly in jeopardy here. The rear seats will most likely be used for a couple golf bags, or other cargo suitable for a nice weekend trip, giving the Eagle a nice dose of practicality.
The Eagle is said to use Lotus' aluminum variable vehicle architecture, so the traditional lightweight Lotus feel should be part of the package. The Eagle's engine will be a V-6 sourced from Toyota , and will likely be offered in displacements of 2.5- and 3.0-liters. With horsepower figures expected to hover somewhere between 200 and 300 horsepower, the new Lotus 2+2 will be a compelling performer, with zero-to-sixty times expected to be in the low five-second-range.
Don't be fooled by the Eagle's mid-summer debut, as there is still a lot of development to be done. Finished, production-ready models aren't due to reach showrooms-and their lucky buyers--until sometime in the Spring of 2009.

Lotus Engineering Announces R&D Group for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

Dustin P. Walsh — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 15:00:47 -0600

Lotus Engineering has created a new Research and Development group dedicated to electric and hybrid vehicles.

Geraint Castleton-White, Head of Powertrain, said, “We are committed to driving forward with green technology for both Lotus Cars and our Engineering clients. We have made significant developments over 20 years in hybrid and electric vehicle technologies with recent examples being the Lotus EVE (Efficient, Viable, Environmental) hybrid technology demonstrator and the Low CO2 project undertaken in collaboration with Continental Division Powertrain.

eBay Auction of the Day: 1965 Ford Lotus-Cortina

Evan McCausland — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 16:30:51 -0600

We love it when symbiotic relationships work for the better, and in 1963, the arrangement between Ford of England and Lotus Cars did just that. Already using a modified form of Ford's Kent I-4 for the legendary Twin-Cam motor, Lotus began offering highly-tuned versions of Ford's compact Cortina for the racing-inclined driver. A beautiful race-prepped 1965 example is currently up for grabs on eBay.

If you were looking to campaign a vintage Cortina, this 1965 example is a good starting point. The fragile Lotus-designed coil-spring rear suspension, fitted to Lotus-Cortinas made between 1963 and 1964, was abandoned in '65 in favor for the Cortina GT's standard leaf-spring system. Although nowhere as fancy, the GT-sourced suspension reduced noise and proved much more reliable in competition.

Although that helps the car's reliability on the track, the maintenance and preparation of the car certainly don't hurt, either. The 1.6-liter DOHC I-4 has recently been rebuilt to vintage racing standards. Although it originally produced around 105 horsepower in stock form, we imagine it gets a tad more grunt these days, especially since Lotus' "racing-spec" version pumped out close to 145 horses. Helping channel that power is a four-speed manual transmission with a Quaife racing gear set, channeled through a Quaife-sourced limited slip differential out back.

As anyone familiar with Lotus knows, a lithe and nimble vehicle, even equipped with smaller motors, can prove to be serious competition on the race track. The Cortina did just that in its era, but we'd expect this Lotus blossom to give a few Vivas - or even Miatas - hell at any SCCA event today.

+ eBay: 1965 Ford Lotus-Cortina

Rinspeed sQuba Shows Off its Swimming Abilities

Dustin P. Walsh — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 12:00:21 -0600

The ridiculous – albeit, glorious – Rinspeed sQuba Concept is set to make a splash at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

The modified Lotus Elise is based on the Bond car from “The Spy Who Loved Me